RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder in elite athletes: a narrative review
JF British Journal of Sports Medicine
JO Br J Sports Med
FD BMJ Publishing Group Ltd and British Association of Sport and Exercise Medicine
SP 741
OP 745
DO 10.1136/bjsports-2019-100713
VO 53
IS 12
A1 Doug Hyun Han
A1 David McDuff
A1 Donald Thompson
A1 Mary E Hitchcock
A1 Claudia L Reardon
A1 Brian Hainline
YR 2019
UL http://bjsm.bmj.com/content/53/12/741.abstract
AB Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a common brain developmental disorder in the general population that may be even more prevalent in elite athletes in certain sports. General population studies of ADHD are extensive and have reported on prevalence, symptoms, therapeutic and adverse effects of treatment and new clinical and research findings. However, few studies have reported on prevalence, symptoms and treatments of ADHD in elite athletes. This narrative review summarises the literature on symptoms, comorbidities, effects of ADHD on performance and management options for elite athletes with ADHD. The prevalence of ADHD in student athletes and elite athletes may be 7%–8%. The symptoms and characteristics of ADHD play a role in athletes’ choice of a sport career and further achieving elite status. Proper management of ADHD in elite athletes is important for safety and performance, and options include pharmacologic and psychosocial treatments.